Police introduce recruits

The three are starting training at the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Academy. They will bring the department up to a full staff of 31 officers, Police Chief Donald VanDeusen said.

The new police recruits – all city residents – are Kevin Orcutt, 25, Jeremy Bell, 30, and Damon Stewart, 31. All of them have college degrees and have previous experience in the military or working at the Fulton County Correctional Facility.

VanDeusen also reported that Officer Lucas Nellis, who was previously introduced in October, has graduated from the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy with perfect attendance.

The entry-level officers have a starting annual salary of $37,544.

Officer Darren Coupas was promoted to the rank of ergeant after serving as a member of the department since July 1999 as a patrol officer, bike officer and member of the Emergency Response Team.

VanDeusen said Coupas received a letter of commendation from former Chief Edgar Beaudin for his life-saving actions in locating a man who had fallen in the Cayadutta Creek and collapsed in the parking lot near the banks of the creek in sub-zero temperatures.

New vehicles

VanDeusen said he needed two unmarked vehicles to replace units from the 1990s that are still in use and the city council approved the purchase as part of the capital projects for 2013.

According to the resolution, under state pricing, two 2014 Dodge Chargers from Main Motors in Johnstown will cost $22,242 per vehicle.

The cost of the vehicles will be $44,484 with the additional $5,515 to be used to equip the sedans with emergency lighting and siren boxes after delivery.